Mandolin attachment.



N0. 702,987. Patented June 24, I902.

F. G. McPHERSON.

MANDOLIN ATTACHMENT.

(Application filed Aug. 22, 1901.)

(No Model.)

WITNESSES N VE N 70/? UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MANDOLlN ATTACHMENT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 702,987, dated June 24, 1902.

Application filed August 22, 1901. Serial No. 72,968. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that L-FRANK G. MOPHERSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Beaverfalls, in the county of Beaver and State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and usef ul Improvements in Mandolin Attachments for Facilitating the Ease of Playing Same, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in mandolin attachments. The object of the invention is to facilitate ease of playing on this musical instrument.

In performing upon the mandolin a pick is used to strike upon the strings of same in order to produce the tone or sound. In playing the hand or wrist often becomes nervous and unsteady, especially in tremolo movements, wherethe hand must be constantly in a quivering or shaking motion, and as a result makes an unsteady ragged tone.

This invention is designed to overcome the foregoing fault.

The invention comprises a raised portion, preferably a block or plate oblong in shape, which is attached to the mandolin, under the strings of same, between the bridge and soundhole, and fastened to the instrument at the sound-hole, having protruding from its edge a lip-like clamp, preferably made of springwire. The block or plate has a felt surface on the under side of same on account of its sponge or spring like nature and also to insure against scratching or tarnishing the instrument. The surface of this block (which maybe constructed of wood, rubber, metal, or other desirable materials) is located slightly under the strings, but low enough to escape contact with same when the highest frets of the mandolin are used. As the distance of the top surface of the block, or tremoloplate, which term I give it, is so slight from the strings, it is intended that the performer should play or pick directly over the plate and at the same time allow the pick to come in contact and glide lightly over the surface of same. The block or plate is rounded at its ends, as shown in the drawings, in order that the pick may have a free and smooth movement when coming in contact with same. By doing this the hand will not become unsteady and a smooth and better quality of tone may be produced and the pick kept at a uniform position.

This attachment is detachable, as will be seen by the illustrations. The same effect could be accomplished by having a raised or swelled portion in the guard-plate. The plate may be employed exclusively or at intervals, just as is desired; but it is particularly adapted for tremolo and chord work. In the accompanying drawings will be seen illustrations of the tremolo-plate.

Figure 1 is a view from the top of the plate, showing top surface, rounded ends of same, and a portion of the wire lip or clamp entering edge of plate. Fig. 2 is aview from end, showing shape of the wire lip or clamp, which hooks or laps underneath the sound-hole in order to hold the plate securely in position, and also the felt surface of the under side, as previously mentioned. Fig. 3 is a View of the under side of plate, showing spring-wire clamp and felt'surface.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent,

A. block or plate having a felt or rubber surfaced bottom and also a lip-like clamp which protrudes from its edge and curves downward and underneath the same,whereby it is adapted to be clamped or fastened to a musical instrument, at its sound-hole; and lie under neath the strings and above the surface of the top of instrument, to aid the performer in making a smooth and even tone, by keeping the pick at a uniform elevation.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

FRANK Gr. MOPHERSON.

W'itnesses:

Janus R. Pirr'rnnsoiv, HARRY 1P. SIIARRElTt. 

